Date & Walnut loaf cake - A light airy sponge cake has its place, but sometimes what you need is a serious piece of cake, something with weight to it, something indulgent, heavy with fruit and nuts. 

Here is such a cake, made from an age-old recipe rich in dates and walnuts, moist from real butter. The perfect accompaniment to a strong cup of tea, on a cold, wet afternoon. Presented in a pretty, pale blue loaf tin, which can easily be hid if you want to pass it off as homemade.